On rural land, especially in dry climates, fire safety is a high priority. While you want to avoid destructive, unexpected wildfires at all costs, there are actually many benefits to using prescribed fires.
Also known as controlled burns, these flames are highly useful in managing long-term wildfire risk as well as enhancing property value. Since prescribed burns require careful planning and set conditions, landowners must prioritize and prepare for the safety of the land, wildlife, and local residents alike.
Take a look at our expert guide to controlled burns for rural landowners.
Benefits of Prescribed Fires
Controlled burns are one of the most important methods of mitigating wildfire risk. In certain cases, prescribed fires can also improve environmental health and biodiversity. This is because controlled burns have the potential to:
- Remove dangerous, flammable natural fuels
- Minimize plant overcrowding
- Improve pest spread and control
- Help endangered species recover
- Diversify the habitat
- Regenerate fire-dependent species
- Replenish soil nutrition
- Improve forage
- Promote new growth
Not only are controlled burns an effective fire management strategy, but they also improve the aesthetic appeal of your land, driving up its value.
How Prescribed Burns Enhance Property Value
You can think of controlled burns as a facelift for your land. Since prescribed fires follow a detailed plan, you can use them to your advantage based on your property’s unique needs. Overall, controlled burns encourage new plant growth, promote biodiversity, and strengthen the soil—all of which enhance the aesthetic and value of your land.
Moreover, improving the marketability of your acreage makes it easier to list land for sale and attract potential buyers.
Expert Insight on Preparing for Controlled Burns
Prescribed fires require extensive planning and preparation in order to be safe and successful. First, no fire is lit without a burn plan—a detailed account of objectives, natural fuels, temperature, wind, smoke dispersal, and more. This plan accounts for public safety, local habitats, and air quality.
Smoke Management
Smoke can be a dangerous and polluting side effect of any burn. To mitigate risk, burners must carefully track local weather conditions and manage smoke output. A smoke management plan should include the following:
- Location of nearby residences, farms, or other inhabited spaces
- Fuel type
- Burn size
- Burn ignition conditions
- Burn monitoring procedures
- Estimate of pollutant emissions
- Smoke minimization techniques
- How to notify the public
Most regions require you to submit a burn management plan before requesting a permit.
The Basics of Conducting Prescribed Fires
You must first register a burn with local district authorities. In most states, you will need to demonstrate smoke management techniques and a burn plan in order to receive a burn permit and authorization.
As the fire date approaches, you are responsible for obtaining necessary resources, notifying the public, and monitoring the weather forecast. For instance, in the event of extreme wind, you will no longer be authorized to conduct a controlled burn.
Throughout the burn, it is crucial to follow your burn plan, stay within the burn area, and minimize smoke pollution.
Costs Involved in Prescribed Burns
The cost of a controlled burn will vary by state and region, but research shows that prescribed burns can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000 per acre. Expenses quickly add up, including:
- Vehicles
- Equipment
- Fuel
- Regulations and permits
- Insurance
- Crew
Despite these upfront costs, prescribed burns are often best for the land. Luckily, the federal government provides financial assistance to help offset costs.
Government Cost-Share Programs for Prescribed Fires
In many states, the local Department of Agriculture provides funding for controlled burn initiatives. Sometimes, these cost-share programs involve price matching, while other states provide reimbursements to burners, either at a flat rate or a percentage.,
Contact your regional Natural Resources Conservation Service to learn more about eligibility, requirements, and pricing.
Experienced Professionals and Training Options
When it comes to controlled burns, you’re always better safe than sorry. We recommend seeking professional assistance if you are new to prescribed burning.
Specialists will help you write burn and smoke management plans, follow all regulations, and safely execute a prescribed fire. Landowners can receive training to become burn specialists on their own or work with foresters, fire professionals, and other services to complete a successful burn.
Secure a Successful Sale with Land.com
In addition to improving land health, controlled burning is also an effective way to enhance aesthetic appeal, a key consideration for landowners selling their acreage. After boosting your land’s value, you’re ready to put it on the market. Enter Land.com, the nation’s leading network for rural real estate.
Connect with over 12 million active buyers and landowners who browse available listings on our sites every month. Our land professionals are experts in local rural real estate, taking into account the benefits of controlled burns to help find the perfect buyers.
Find a Land Pro in your area today to get started on a successful land transaction.
Sources:
National Park Service. Wildland Fire: What is a Prescribed Fire? https://www.nps.gov/articles/what-is-a-prescribed-fire.htm.
USDA Forest Service. Prescribed Fire. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/prescribed-fire.
California Air Resources Board. Prescribed Burning. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/prescribed-burning/about.
USDA Forest Service. Prescribed Burning Costs: Trends and Influences in the National Forest System. https://www.fs.usda.gov/psw/publications/documents/psw_gtr173/psw_gtr173_06_cleaves.pdf.
Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council. USDA, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NOT A CONTRACTOR). https://prescribedfire.org/services/usda/.
Village of Riverwoods. Does your property qualify for the Prescribed Burn Cost-Share Program? https://www.riverwoods.gov/woodlands/page/does-your-property-qualify-prescribed-burn-cost-share-program.
